Anurag Kashyap defends Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’, calls it a courageous mainstream film

What happened: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap praised Ranveer Singh’s latest hit Dhurandhar, calling it a bold and courageous mainstream film.

Why it matters now: The film has been at the centre of an online debate, with critics labelling it “propaganda”.

What changes for people: Kashyap’s comments add a fresh perspective to the discourse, separating artistic merit from political interpretation.

Who is affected: Viewers, critics, the film’s creative team, and the wider Bollywood community.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again come out in support of Dhurandhar, praising it as a “courageous mainstream film” at a time when large-scale commercial cinema often avoids taking thematic risks. Kashyap, known for his outspoken views and independent storytelling style, said that calling the film “propaganda” is “itself a form of propaganda.”

Kashyap praises the filmmaking, not the politics

Kashyap clarified that while he does not agree with the film’s politics, he appreciates the craft, scale and intent behind Dhurandhar.

He suggested that dismissing a film solely based on ideological interpretations overshadows the effort and bravery required to mount such a project in today’s polarized environment.

According to him, Dhurandhar stands out because it attempts to merge mainstream spectacle with strong narrative choices, something that requires conviction from the makers.

‘Dhurandhar’ continues to spark debate

The film, starring Ranveer Singh, has been trending since release, earning both commercial success and intense political discussion.

Supporters have praised its storytelling and performances, while detractors describe it as leaning heavily towards a particular ideological stance.

Kashyap’s remarks challenge this binary reading, suggesting that reducing cinema to ideological labels undermines its artistic value.

What to watch next

With prominent filmmakers joining the conversation, more voices from Bollywood may weigh in on the Dhurandhar debate. The film’s continued box-office performance and public reception will likely fuel further discussion in the coming days.